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President’s Musings
Recently, I was attempting to pour honey into a cup of tea when, suddenly, the cup went crashing to the floor. I realized immediately that my hand must have somehow knocked the cup over, and once again I was impressed at how my brain no longer keeps close track of where my extremities are at all times. Yes, it has happened before, and I’ve been lucky that this kind of accident doesn’t always result in a sticky mess on the floor. This type of happening represents the following feature of the aging of our nervous system.
Proprioception is our body’s internal sense of position and movement. It allows us to touch our nose with our eyes closed, walk without constantly looking at our feet, and maintain balance while standing or turning. As we age, this important sense gradually becomes less precise. Several factors contribute to this change. Nerve endings in our muscles, joints, and skin become less sensitive, and signals travel more slowly to and from the brain. Age-related changes in vision, hearing, muscle strength, and reaction time can further reduce our awareness of body position. As a result, older adults may feel less steady, have more difficulty navigating uneven surfaces, or be at greater risk of falls.
Fortunately, proprioception can be improved through practice. Regular exercise, strength training, tai chi, yoga, balance exercises, and simply staying physically active help keep the brain and body connected. Maintaining proprioception is an important part of preserving independence, confidence, and mobility throughout later life.
Jim Greenberg, President EOLCC
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